Hot Glass Workshop: Paperweight Practice

Build your confidence with hot glass!



3 hours

Class size 1 to 3 (public classes), 3 to 6
  $330 (Afterpay & PayPal Pay in 4 available)

Are you curious about molten glass? This small-group workshop is a hands-on introduction to working with hot glass, focused on creating a series of solid glass paperweights.
Over three hours, you’ll be guided through the fundamentals of the process, including safety, tools, working at the bench, and gathering molten glass from the furnace. With step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to shape and control the material while building confidence through practice.
Many glass blowers begin with paperweights as a way to learn core skills in a focused and satisfying way. In this workshop, you’ll make three paperweights, giving you the chance to explore different colours and decorative techniques while repeating the same form. This approach helps you get comfortable with the material and discover creative ways to personalise each piece.
Classes are limited to three participants, allowing plenty of time on the tools and individual guidance throughout. No experience is needed, this workshop is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for complete beginners.
Your pieces will be carefully annealed in a kiln overnight and then shipped to you within the following week.
Held in a purpose-built studio in Coburg North, this is a calm and focused introduction to hot glass, with space to experiment, repeat, and enjoy the process.

Please note: Public dates for this class require at least 2 guests to run. In the unlikely event that we don't reach this number, we may cancel the session; if that happens, we'll inform you and let you choose between a refund or reschedule, so please watch your email/SMS one day prior to the class.
What you'll get
  • Expert guidance in a small-group setting
  • Introduction to hot glass fundamentals: safety, tools, and furnace work
  • Hands-on practice making three solid glass paperweights
  • Exploration of colour and simple decorative techniques
  • Experience repeating the same form to build confidence and skill
  • Annealing and shipping of your pieces
Knowledge required
This class is beginner-friendly.
What to bring
  • Please wear closed-toed shoes and natural fibers, such as cotton. Clothes that provide good coverage, such as a t-shirt or long-sleeved top and long pants, are advised.
  • A water bottle and snacks, if desired.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a creative gift for her, gift for mum or gift for couples.

Location

Mariella McKinley Glass, CONO Business Park - 11/52 Bakers Road, Coburg North VIC

Free parking is available in front of Factory 11. Tram 19, stop #40 is just a short walk away.

Hot Glass Workshop: Paperweight Practice location
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Your teacher

Mariella McKinley Glass
Mariella McKinley Glass

5.0 (3)
female Women-owned

Hi! I’m Mars of Mariella McKinley Glass.
I’ve been working with glass for over 20 years as a glass blower and cold worker, and I still love it - the material itself, and the techniques used to shape it. I create both functional glassware and sculptural, decorative pieces.
I trained in glass at Monash University in Melbourne and the Jam Factory in Adelaide, and have since worked with leading glass artists in Australia and overseas, including time at renowned studios such as Pilchuck and the Corning Museum of Glass in the USA.
I work out of the purpose-built Handmade Glass Studio in Coburg North, where I run both a hot shop and cold shop. My classes are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and accessible for complete beginners. It’s a beautiful, supportive space, and I look forward to sharing my knowledge and love of glass blowing with you.

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